Antibiotic Resistance

There is increasing concern that certain bacteria and viruses have become resistant to antibiotics. A major cause of this resistance is believed to be inappropriate use of drugs in preventing or treating infection. Germs constantly change, adapt or mutate to their environment. They also have the ability to take on the characteristics of other germs. When antibiotic medications are used inappropriately, the meek bacteria are killed, while the defiant ones survive, divide and multiply. Bacteria are everywhere and in everything. On occasion we have even used bacteria to our advantage. Without bacteria we couldn't process our favorite cheese.

Until the 1940s, people with infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and sexually transmitted diseases often died because no effective treatments were available. However with the discovery of antibiotic drugs, our ability to fight diseases improved significantly. The problem: Bacteria that has mutated can resist the drugs. This means the bacteria which causes the infection is less effective a second time around. Hence, thousands of people die as a result of drug resistant infections. The cost of treating resistant infections may now reach $30 billion annually. Over 70% of the bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections are resistant to the drugs used to fight them. Penicillin is ineffective against one-third of all Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria, a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis and ear infections.

The past 35 years only one new class of bacteria-fighting drug has come to market. Currently two new classes of antibiotics are awaiting FDA approval. But these drugs are not going to solve the growing problem of antibiotic resistance because neither fights as many types of antibiotic resistance bacteria then those available to doctors now.

So why not just invent something new? Pharmaceutical companies like any other company only have so many research dollars available. Large pharmaceutical companies are going to take the path with most potential. This leaves smaller companies with fewer resources to take control over the research. Additionally there are many obstacles in getting FDA approval for antibacterial production. The rules for submitting products for market are changing along with the agencies involved in the process. Plus, huge investments of capitol must be available before any registration or approval processes can begin. Is it all worth it? In 2002, Cipro, Zithromax and Biaxin earned approximately $4.3 billion in sales and all 3 are considered having a 30% resistant rate to the Streptococcus Pneumoniae bug.

In the meantime, we can all help by avoiding the antibacterial products for common chores such as dish detergents and hand soap for everyday use. Be aware that antibiotics are not effective for 90% of colds and flu viruses. Do not flush out-of-date medication down the toilet, the sink, or put it in the garbage. The active ingredients will end up in the water table which can increase our resistance.

Information Resources:
Canadian Antibiotic Resistance Committee
Centers for Disease Control
Forbes Magazine
Global Regulatory Affairs
JP Morgan Chase
Sci.fi.com
University of Pennsylvania